Sub-Ohm Tanks vs. RTAs vs. RDAs

When choosing a tank for your high-power vaping device there are plenty of options, all with their own unique benefits and uses. The plethora of options can make choosing the right device difficult, but it also allows for an amazing sense of customization, as vapers can refine their vaping experience to suit whatever needs they may have. This does, of course, make it harder for new vapers to know what to buy, thankfully, we’re here to help you make an informed decision that will keep you happy.

Breaking down every device would be an almost impossible task, so instead we’ll focus on the three most common devices used for holding and vaporizing e-liquid. While some of the options on this list may not be ideal for beginners, it is important to understand how each device works so you can plan out all your purchases and gain a greater understanding of vaping.

Sub-Ohm Tanks

This is perhaps the most beginner friendly option, while also providing good cloud production and good flavor. At their core, sub-ohm tanks are convenient, easy to use, and in most cases, budget friendly. They feature a large juice reservoir that surrounds a coil and will often come with adjustable airflow control.

As the name suggests, these tanks feature coils that are below 1.0 ohms of resistance. The low resistance of the coils allows for greater cloud production, when compared to coils 1.0 ohms or above, and gives vapers the ability to use higher wattages on their vaping device. The technology behind sub-ohm tanks has developed a lot over the years and current offerings are even capable of handling power output well over 100 watts.

Unlike the other offerings on this list, sub-ohm tanks generally utilize pre-built coils that are set to a specific resistance. This is the defining factor of a sub-ohm tank, and lends to its ease of use and popularity among new vapers wanting to produce clouds of vapour.

Pros

Easy to use, especially for beginners

Good cloud production and flavor

Hundred of options to suit specific needs

Extensive range of coil options

Large e-juice capacity

Cons

Coils can be expensive

Coils can burn out rather quickly and cannot be cleaned

RTAs

Like sub-ohm tanks, RTAs feature a juice reservoir surrounding a coil. However, unlike sub-ohm tanks, RTAs require users to build their own coils, offering a high level of customization at the cost of ease of use.

To facilitate user built coils, RTAs feature build decks that can vary in size depending on models. This build deck will help dictate what type of coil will fit in the RDTA and how the RDTA should be used. Smaller build decks will often warrant smaller coils with a higher resistance, while larger build decks allow for lower resistance coils which produce more vapor.

Generally speaking, RTAs are not ideal for new vapers, as any sort of rebuildable device does require some knowledge of ohms law and of power control.

Pros

Can carry as much liquid as a sub-ohm tank

More cost effective to build coils

Plenty of options for users

Customizable vaping experience with the convenience of a tank

Cons

Can be tricky to set up and to vape properly

Prone to leaking

Higher chance of dry hits when compared to RDAs and sub-ohm tanks

RDAs

While the two previous offerings have closely resembled one another the RDA is something a little more unique. Essentially, the RDA consists of a large build deck and a cap which may or may not have a mouthpiece. This may seem fairly basic for most vapers, but the simple construction of an RDA allows for its incredible performance.

With an RDA, vapers can install their own coils (in a manner similar to RTAS) but these coils do not have the same space restrictions as RTAs. Instead, users can install virtually any coil to suit whatever need they want to fill. Wick is then run through the coil and e-juice is dripped directly on top.

This design isn’t perfect and does come with one large caveat. While RTAs and sub-ohm tanks have reservoirs that surround the coil and keep it constantly moist, RDA users will have to constantly drip e-liquid directly onto their coils and will be at a greater risk of getting a dry hit.

That being said, RDAs are easier to build on, when compared to RTAs, and are often perfect for new vapers looking to enter the world of rebuilding. These devices are also often to go-to for vapers looking to produce incredible amounts of vapor and for those seeking the best flavour.